Coming into the 2025 NFL season, one of the big topics is how the Kansas City Chiefs will respond to their brutal defeat by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Former Kansas City safety Tyrann Mathieu is uniquely qualified to predict how the Chiefs will handle it. While with the team from 2019 through 2021, Mathieu was a big part of its Super Bowl LIV victory. A year later, the Chiefs suffered a similar blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV before reaching the AFC Championship game in 2021.
After announcing his retirement from the New Orleans Saints this week, Mathieu joined host Kay Adams on Thursday’s episode of the “Up and Adams Show” on FanDuel Sports Network, offering his thoughts on how he expects February’s loss to motivate his former team.
Mathieu believes the loss will weigh heavily on team leaders like head coach Andy Reid, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
“Oh man,” Mathieu began. “Really, if I can put a finger on it, it’s intense. I think there’s seriousness. I think coaches and players alike, they have to be able to tap into that mindset in the spring and throughout training camp. You can’t save that type of stuff for the middle of the season or when the season starts. I think it’s all about mentality. It’s all about attitude.
“If I know those guys like I think I know them, they haven’t had a good night of sleep since they lost that game. I think Patrick is extremely motivated. I think Kelce is motivated. Obviously, Coach Reid and Coach Spags, I know those guys. They probably haven’t left the building since they lost that game. I can see those guys starting fast and definitely playing with an edge to really begin and take them throughout the season.”
In the interview, Mathieu revealed to Adams that the decision to retire was based on a desire to spend more time with his children. Citing Hall of Fame defensive back Deion Sanders’ return to football after announcing his retirement, Mathieu momentarily wavered when asked hypothetically if he would take a call from Spagnuolo to return. But then, he reiterated that his playing days are behind him.
“That’s always a possibility,” Mathieu remarked. “I don’t want to ever rule anything out. I think as of right now — where my spirit is and mentally where I’m at — I’m for sure that I’m retired.”
Should the three-time All Pro selection have second thoughts on his retirement, his contract with the Saints would still be in effect. Mathieu would need to secure his release before joining the Chiefs — or any other team. A release after the NFL’s trade deadline on November 4 would also leave him subject to waivers before becoming a free agent.
